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Everyone under inspection: Postecoglou

Angela Habashy

Every World Cup contender will be under intense scrutiny with Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou warning he's compiling a detailed data base on their daily routine.

Postecoglou will be naming his extended 30-man squad by May 15, with the final 23 players to be decided by June 6.

With Australia to kick off their Brazil campaign against highly-rated Chile before facing World Cup finalists the Netherlands and world champions Spain, the coach is taking no chances.

"We're talking real high-intensity here, not just from the opposition but the way we want to play," Postecoglou said.

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"How people are from a physical standpoint is going to play a big part in terms of final selection.

"Since that Ecuador game, we've set up a process where we'll be monitoring our players on a weekly basis.

"Everything from their training to their weight, what they're eating - everything because I know the physical demands of what we're trying to do.

"If somebody is underdone or I don't think is up to it physically, then that's going to count against them."

The Socceroos will get together for their next camp in Gosford from May 15 to prepare for their farewell game against South Africa on May 26, two days before they depart for Brazil.

While Postecoglou used last week's 4-3 loss to Ecuador as a final chance to experiment, he says the South Africa game is more about boosting confidence and morale among his youthful charges.

"We want to have a strong game and a strong result and we certainly want to leave Australia with a positive vibe," he said.

"If we're going to take a fairly young and inexperienced team over, I think finishing strongly in front of a home crowd will just give everyone that bit of self belief that they need for such a major tournament."

Despite Postecoglou having a relatively inexperienced squad as he attempts to rebuild the side, the coach insists he's taking no passengers.

"I'm not taking over anyone in that 23-man squad just for experience. They're going to have to earn it," he said.

"Anyone in that squad will be expected to stand up and play if required."

Postecoglou expected defender Curtis Good could be fit in four weeks and said that should give him enough time to get some game time with Dundee before the Scottish Premier League season ends.

He said he had not been in contact with Aston Villa player Chris Herd since he became unavailable for selection due to "personal reasons".

"We'll allow Chris the privacy and the time to get over what he needs to get over," Postecoglou said.

"Should he become available for Aston Villa and start playing, then he's still in contention."

Postecoglou says he's planning a trip to Asia before he names his 30-man Brazil squad to asses the likes Ryan McGowan who in China, J-League player Mitch Nichols and Korean-based Luke DeVere and Alex Wilkinson.